This is a Grand Army of the Republic reunion hat from the 1890 - 1900 period. The hat is made exactly as the US Army 1895 forage hat. It is constructed of dark blue wool material with black leather visor and is in very good condition. The wool has three small tears on the top of the cap and one small moth hole above the right rear vent rivet. There are four black vent rivets in the crown that are all still in place. The black leather chin strap is secured by two GAR buttons. The black visor is securely attached to the hat. The black band that encircles the base of the cap is in very good condition. Sewn to the front of the hat is an oval piece of black wool material. Pinned on the backing material is a gold hat wreath with the silver GAR letters in the center. The hat is lined with polished cotton and has a brown leather sweat band. The lining is completely intact, as well as the sweat band. The makers label is present and very legible. The trademark of The HENDERSON-AMES Co of Kalamazoo, Michigan is present, along with the name R. Jay Brace. This company is listed in the Good, Makers and Dealers book as having their factory at 308 - 310 E. Main St, Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1893. I believe that an old Union veteran purchased this hat sometime between 1895 and 1923, when the firm was bought out by the M.C. Lilley company.

Item # AA1719

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